TODAY’S READING: Exodus 25–28.

WORD OF THE DAY: Display.

If you’ve ever felt like your life is a mess of mismatched pieces, today’s reading is for you. As we look at the blueprints for the Tabernacle, we see a God who loves order, symmetry, and “the best of the best.” He commanded the use of acacia wood, pure gold, and intricate embroidery. Why? Because this was to be the place where the Creator of the Universe met with His people.

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One of the most beautiful parts of today’s text is where the materials came from. Remember, these were former slaves! But as Tricia noted, God fulfilled His promise to Abraham. They left Egypt with the wealth of their oppressors, and now that gold and silver were being used to display God’s glory in the desert. Nothing is wasted in God’s economy—even the “spoils” of your hard seasons can become the materials for your next sanctuary.

Our Word of the Day is Display.

To display is to make a prominent exhibition of something. Michelle talked about the antique radios she displays in her home because they mean something to her. In the same way, God wants to display you. You are His masterpiece. When the priests wore the ephod with the names of the tribes on their shoulders, it was a reminder that God carries His people close to His heart.

We are called to be the light of the world, just as the lamps in the Tabernacle were meant to burn all night. It wasn’t just about the physical light; it was about the constant presence of God in a dark wilderness.

Exodus 25:8 says, “Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them.” Your body is now the temple of the Holy Spirit. What “pure gold” or “beautiful embroidery” is God working into your character right now to display His holiness to those around you?

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Heavenly Father, we marvel at Your attention to detail. Thank You that You don’t just want to be a God who is “up there,” but a God who lives among us. We offer You our hearts today—not out of obligation, but because we are moved by Your grace. Purify us like gold, and let Your light shine through us so clearly that the world can’t help but see Your beauty. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

TODAY’S READING: Exodus 22:16–24:18.

WORD OF THE DAY: Apply.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to look at the ground and see “a surface of brilliant blue lapis lazuli, as clear as the sky itself,” with God standing right there? In Exodus 24, the elders of Israel didn’t just hear God’s voice; they shared a meal in His presence. It was a moment of incredible intimacy following a ceremony of solemn commitment.

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But before they could sit at that table, something had to happen: the blood had to be applied. Moses splattered the blood of the sacrifice over the people to confirm the covenant. As we discussed on the podcast today, this is a powerful foreshadowing of the New Covenant. We can know all the Bible verses and sing all the hymns, but until we apply the sacrifice of Jesus to our own lives, we are still standing at the foot of the mountain instead of sitting at the table.

Our Word of the Day is Apply.

It comes from a word meaning “to fold or fasten to.” Tricia shared a touching story about her adopted children—how some fully embrace the “mom and dad” relationship while others hold back, afraid to fully apply that love to their hearts. Are you holding God at arm’s length today, or are you ready to fasten yourself to His promises?

God also gave instructions for the future—festivals they would celebrate and a land with fixed boundaries. He was establishing a new rhythm for a new nation. Even though they were still in the desert, He was already preparing their “picnic” in the Promised Land.

Exodus 23:20 mentions an angel sent to protect and lead the people. How has God shown His “help and salvation” in your life recently, even before you saw the final outcome of a situation? How can you apply that past faithfulness to your current worries?

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Lord God, we are in awe that You invite us to eat and drink in Your presence. Thank You for the New Covenant and for the blood of Jesus that is applied to our hearts, making us righteous. Help us not to just listen to Your instructions, but to apply them. Fasten our hearts to Yours today so that we may walk in the freedom You have paved for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

We have all been there. We sit down with our coffee, open our Bibles, and read a few chapters, but then we close the cover and head into a day that feels completely disconnected from those ancient words.

It is easy to treat the Bible like a history book or a manual for being “good,” but God has so much more for us. The Bible is our connection point to God and an invitation to transformational living through a growing relationship with Christ.

The Bible isn’t just a book to be informed by. Jesus “the Word” is a Person who can bring transformation

As Michelle and I shared recently on The Daily Bible Podcast, the goal is for God’s Word to move from our heads to our hands. We need to move from just knowing the truth to actually living it out in the middle of our busy, messy lives.

The Life Application Study Bible was created for this exact purpose. It takes you from knowing the truths of Scripture to living them out. When you look at the pages, you aren’t just seeing facts about the past. You are seeing a path forward for your life today.

As James 1:22 reminds us, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Knowing the truth is a start, but living the truth is a spark.

Life Application Study Bible

The Heart Behind the Life Application Study Bible

What I love most is the heart behind this project. Each of the ten thousand notes in the Life Application Study Bible was poured over by scholars and pastors whose passion is for readers to not only know and understand the life-changing power of Scripture but also be transformed so they can live it out.

It is about that true heart transformation that happens when we encounter the living God.

Billy Graham once said, “The Bible is the only book whose Author is always present when it is read.” That presence is what changes us. When we open these pages, we are stepping into a conversation with the Creator.

One of my favorite things about this resource is that it grows with your family. Whether you are teaching your kids or diving deep into your own study, there is a version that fits.

Psalm 119:105 tells us, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” We all need that light, no matter our age.

God’s Word is the light that turns our “I don’t know” into “He will show.”

• For the Kids: The Boys and Girls editions help preteens find a foundation built on Scripture during those tricky middle school years.

• For the Teens: The Teen Life Application Study Bible tackles real-life stories and the hard choices high schoolers face every day.

• For the Students: The Student edition even connects to the Filament Bible app, unlocking thousands of digital resources.

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Most traditional study Bibles focus on the “what”—the history and the culture. While this Bible includes all of those study Bible pillars, it doesn’t stop there. It uses a three-step journey to help you:

1. Read: See the passage in its original context.

2. Bridge: Understand what it means for us today.

3. Apply: Find practical ways to live out that truth.

As Charles Spurgeon famously said, “The Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.”

When we have knowledge and application in one place, the Bible moves off the page and into our lives. We begin to see the fruit of 2 Timothy 3:16-17, which says all Scripture is “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”

Application is the bridge that turns a Bible story into your story.

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If you have never opened the cover of a Bible before, it can feel a little overwhelming. But remember, God’s Word is “alive and active” (Hebrews 4:12).

Corrie ten Boom often reminded us that “the Bible is a gold mine, but you have to dig for the gold.” Here is how to start digging:

• Start with the Gospel of John: Instead of starting on page one, read the story of Jesus and His love for you.

• Pray before you read: Simply ask, “Lord, help me understand what You want to say to me today.”

• Read the notes at the bottom: Use the Life Application notes to explain the “bridge” between the ancient story and your current life.

• Pick one thing to do: After you read, ask yourself, “What is one way I can act on this today?” (Romans 12:2).

• Give yourself grace: You don’t have to understand everything at once. Just keep showing up.

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TODAY’S READING: Exodus 20:1–22:15.

WORD OF THE DAY: Instruct.

Imagine being a slave your entire life, having no rights, no property, and no voice. Then, suddenly, you are free—but how do you live? In today’s reading, God steps into that vacuum of freedom and gives the Israelites the Decalogue (a fancy word for the Ten Commandments). He gives them the gift of structure.

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As Tricia and Michelle discussed today, the Law does something vital: it exposes our sin. We might think we’re “nice people,” but when we hold our lives up to God’s standard, we realize how far we fall short. The Law wasn’t meant to save us; it was meant to show us we need saving. It was God weaving the ultimate story of redemption, setting the stage for Jesus to come and do what we never could—keep the law perfectly.

Our Word of the Day is Instruct.

To instruct is to command or direct. God gave these instructions for our good. Just like a radio production manager following a boss’s notes (as Michelle shared!), if we miss a step, things get “kinked up.” God’s instructions on how to treat Him and how to treat each other (like caring for the injured or protecting property) were designed to restore dignity to a people who had been treated like objects for 400 years.

But here is the catch: external rules aren’t enough. Even with smoke billowing from the mountain and the ground shaking, the Israelites would eventually struggle to obey. That’s because real obedience has to come from a heart-change. We don’t just need the Law; we need the Lawgiver to live inside us.

Exodus 20:20 says God came to test the people so that “the fear of him will keep you from sinning.” How does having a healthy “awe” or respect for God’s instructions change the way you handle small, daily decisions?

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Master Storyteller and Lawgiver, we thank You that You didn’t leave us without a map. Thank You for Your instructions that protect us and show us how to love You well. We confess today that we cannot keep Your Law on our own strength. We thank You for Jesus, who fulfilled the Law for us. Please change our hearts today so that we obey You not because we have to, but because we love You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

TODAY’S READING: Exodus 16–19.

WORD OF THE DAY: Testify.

It’s easy to judge the Israelites for complaining. They had just walked through a sea on dry land, yet the moment their stomachs growled, they started reminiscing about how “great” things were in Egypt. We do the same thing, don’t we? When the current wilderness feels dry, we paint a pretty picture of our past bondage.

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But God, in His incredible mercy, didn’t leave them hungry. He gave them Manna—a Hebrew word that literally means “What is it?” He was teaching them utter dependence. He gave them just enough for each day, plus a double portion before the Sabbath. This is our first real introduction to the Sabbath, a day set apart for rest and for the Lord. If you’re feeling burned out, maybe it’s because you’re trying to gather manna on the seventh day.

Our Word of the Day is Testify.

To testify is to give evidence of what you have seen. We see this beautifully in the life of Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law. Jethro was a priest of false gods, but when Moses testified about all Yahweh had done, Jethro’s heart was transformed. He realized that the Lord is greater than all other gods.

Tricia shared a story about testifying to a stranger on a plane, and Michelle reminded us that sometimes the person we need to testify to most is ourselves. We need to keep “jars of manna”—reminders of God’s provision—so that when we face our next battle with the “amalekites,” we remember that the Lord is our Banner.

In Exodus 19, God tells the people they are His “special treasure.” How would your day change if you truly lived as if you were God’s prized possession? What is one “rock” in your life right now that you need God to bring water out of?

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Yahweh Nissi, our Banner and our Provider, we thank You for the manna You drop into our lives every morning. Forgive us for our grumbling and our short memories. Help us to be like Moses—ready to testify of Your goodness to our families, our friends, and even the strangers we meet. We lift our eyes to the mountain today and listen for Your voice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

TODAY’S READING: Exodus 13–15.

WORD OF THE DAY: Dedicate.

The Israelites are finally out! But instead of taking the short route to the Promised Land, God leads them toward the Red Sea. He knew they weren’t ready for war, and He had one final lesson for Pharaoh (and for His people): He is the Lord.

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In Exodus 13, God calls the people to dedicate their firstborn. Tricia shared the powerful story of Thomas, a Holocaust survivor who read this verse as a nine-year-old and dedicated his life to being a missionary. It’s a reminder that God’s Word speaks to us across generations. This dedication was a “sign” to be branded on their hands and foreheads—a constant reminder of the “mighty hand” that brought them out of slavery.

Our Word of the Day is Dedicate.

To dedicate is to set something apart for God’s work. Whether it’s parents dedicating a child in church or a believer dedicating their time to a friend in need, it’s about acknowledging that everything we have belongs to Him.

Michelle reminded us today that even after singing a song of victory, the Israelites immediately started grumbling when the water turned bitter. It’s a sobering reflection of our own hearts. We can witness a Red Sea miracle on Monday and be complaining by Wednesday. That’s why we need each other—to help us remember and to stay dedicated to the path God has set before us.

Exodus 13:17 says God didn’t lead them through the land of the Philistines because He didn’t want them to get discouraged and turn back. What is a “shorter route” you’ve been praying for that God might be protecting you from? How can you trust His “roundabout way” today?

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Father, thank You for being our Strength and our Song. Thank You that You don’t just set us free and leave us; You lead us with a pillar of fire and cloud. Forgive us for grumbling at the bitter waters and forgetting the dry land of the Red Sea. Help us to be dedicated to Your ways and to pour our faith into the next generation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

TODAY’S READING: Exodus 10–12

WORD OF THE DAY: Lifted

We are standing on the edge of freedom today. After nine plagues that have systematically dismantled Egypt’s economy, ecology, and theology, the tenth and final plague is announced. It’s heavy, it’s hard, and it requires absolute obedience. But even in this darkness, God is working a plan He set in motion centuries ago with Abraham.

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Did you notice the detail about the silver and gold? Before they left, the Israelites—who had been slaves for generations—asked their neighbors for wealth, and the Egyptians gave it to them! This was the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 15. God doesn’t just rescue; He restores.

Our Word of the Day is Lifted. To lift is to rise to a higher position. We see Moses lifting his hand to bring the locusts and the darkness. But the most beautiful application is the lamb. That Passover lamb was sacrificed so its blood could protect the Israelites from death. Centuries later, Jesus—the Lamb of God—would be “lifted up” on a cross to draw all people to Himself.

Michelle shared a beautiful quote today: “There are no obstacles which our Savior’s love cannot overcome... to Him, mountains of difficulty are as easy as an asphalt road.” Whether you feel like you are in the middle of a plague or standing before a mountain, remember that God is the “Heavy Lifter.” He is with you, He is for you, and He is working to lift your head so you can see His glory.

Exodus 12:26 asks, “What does this ceremony mean to you?” Think about the ways you remember God’s faithfulness (like communion or journaling). How can you make “remembering” a more active part of your daily walk this week?

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High and Lifted Up God, we praise You for Your power and Your precision. Thank You for the blood of the Lamb that protects and redeems us. For those of us feeling buried under the “plagues” of life—pain, darkness, or hardship—we ask that You would lift our heads today. Help us to see You shining in the light of Your glory. We trust You with the “mountains” in our path. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

TODAY’S READING: Exodus 7:14–9:35.

WORD OF THE DAY: Show.

We all remember the Sunday School versions of the plagues—the cute felt-board frogs and the red-colored river. But the reality was far more intense. For seven days, the Nile stank of death. Frogs were in the ovens, gnats were in the air, and hail was flattening the crops.

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Tricia shared a fascinating insight from her research for her novel The Elder Sister: none of these plagues were random. Each one was a direct strike against an Egyptian deity. When the Nile turned to blood, God was defeating Hapi, the god of the Nile. When the frogs swarmed, He was challenging Heqet, the frog-headed goddess of birth. God was systematically showing that the “powers” Egypt relied on were nothing compared to Yahweh.

Our Word of the Day is Show.

To show is to cause something to be visible. God told Pharaoh, “I will show you that I am the Lord.” He wasn’t just performing magic tricks; He was making His invisible power visible to a nation that had forgotten Him.

Michelle reminded us that God still “shows off” today. She shared her amazing story of buying her first home—a process where God cleared the way in a tough market to show her He was her Provider. Whether it’s through a miraculous house purchase or a plague of gnats, God wants us to stop, look, and remember that He is in control.

Exodus 8:22 says God spared the land of Goshen (where the Israelites lived) so they would know He is the Lord. Where have you seen God’s “hand of protection” in your life lately? How did that show you more of His character?

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Lord, we are in awe of Your power. Thank You for being a God who shows up and makes Your presence known. Forgive us for the times we rely on our own “gods”—our money, our status, or our own strength. We pray today that You would show us Your glory in the middle of our circumstances. Help us to trust You even when things feel chaotic, knowing that You are the True God over all. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

TODAY’S READING: Exodus 4:18–7:13

WORD OF THE DAY: Established

Have you ever obeyed God, only to have everything seemingly fall apart? That’s exactly where Moses finds himself today. He goes to Pharaoh as God commanded, but instead of freedom, the Israelites get more work. Pharaoh takes away their straw but demands the same number of bricks. Suddenly, the people Moses was sent to save are angry with him, and Moses is left questioning God.

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In the middle of this mess, God does something incredible. He doesn’t give Moses a new strategy; He gives him a deeper revelation of His name. He establishes Himself as Yahweh. While Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob knew Him as God Almighty (El Shaddai), Moses is being invited into a deeper understanding of the God who keeps His covenants.

Our Word of the Day is Established.

To establish means to set something in a way that will last. God didn’t establish an easy path for Moses—He even warned that He would harden Pharaoh’s heart. Instead, He established His own authority. He gave Moses seven “I will” statements that covered everything from rescue to redemption to a new homeland.

Tricia shared about the rejections she faced when she first felt called to write, and Michelle reminded us that even when we trip up, God’s plan is still established. Following God doesn’t mean the red carpet is rolled out; often, it means facing opposition on all sides while leaning entirely on the “Mighty Arm” of the Lord.

Look at the seven "I will" statements in Exodus 6:6-8. Which one of those promises do you need God to fulfill in your life right now? Are you willing to trust Him even if the "bricks" are getting harder to make?

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Yahweh, we praise You because You are absolute reality. You have no beginning and no end. Thank You for establishing Your covenant with us. When we face "Pharaohs" in our lives—bosses, health issues, or broken relationships—remind us of Your "I will" promises. Help us to keep walking even when the path is hard, knowing that Your powerful arm is at work. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

TODAY’S READING: Exodus 1–4:17, 1 Chronicles 6:1-3

WORD OF THE DAY: Protest

We are officially in a new book and a new month! Today we move from the patient endurance of Job to the high-stakes history of Exodus. After 300 years of silence, the cries of the Israelites have reached heaven, and God is ready to act. But His chosen vessel, Moses, isn’t exactly jumping at the opportunity.

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Moses’s life has been a series of “out of place” moments. A Hebrew raised by Egyptians, a prince turned fugitive, and now a shepherd in Midian. When God appears in the burning bush, Moses doesn’t see a promotion; he sees a problem. He protests five different times! He questions his own identity, his speaking ability, and eventually, his willingness.

Our Word of the Day is Protest.

To protest is to object firmly. Moses’s problem wasn’t a lack of ability—it was a lack of willingness. He pleaded with God, “Please send anyone else!” How often do we do the same? We look at the “hard history” of our own lives or the difficult assignments God gives us, and we start listing our deficiencies.

Tricia and Michelle reminded us today that God didn’t answer Moses’s “Who am I?” with a pep talk. He didn’t try to build up Moses’s self-esteem. He simply said, “I will be with you.” That is the secret to moving past our protests. It doesn’t matter who we are; it matters who HE is.

What is your “Burning Bush” moment right now? Is God asking you to do something hard—like leave a toxic situation, serve someone selflessly, or take a leap of faith? What is your biggest protest, and how does God’s presence answer it?

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Father God, thank You that You hear our groaning and remember Your promises. Forgive us for the times we protest Your calling because we feel inadequate. Help us to stop looking at our own hands and start looking at Your presence. Thank You for being the “I AM” in our lives. Whatever we face today, we trust that You are with us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.